Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-LedgerOverall view from the gallery as the N.J. Senate begins their session at the Statehouse.

TRENTON — A state Senate committee today voted along party lines on a bill that would let towns and counties issue bonds without the current requirement to make up-front payments of 5 percent. The bill next heads to the full Senate.

Democrats said towns and counties, struggling with tight budgets, need the same leeway as school districts and authorities to ensure essential projects are carried out and equipment is purchased. This would also help municipalities adjust to a tighter, 2 percent cap on the annual increases in overall property tax collections. The money for the down payment would have to be counted when calculating property tax increases — unlike money used to pay off the bonds themselves over time.

Sen. Michael Doherty (R-Warren) offered an unsuccessful amendment to give voters the choice of making the down payment.

“It’s going to make it easier for towns and counties to borrow money, and I don’t think that’s particularly good,” he said of the bill.